Asbestos true cost, and alternatives to chrysotile asbestos Sascha Gabizon, Executive Director Women in Europe for a Common Future - WECF

asbestos death in Netherlands (on 15 ) asbestos death in Netherlands (on 15 ) Only 1% survivesOnly 1% survives Mesothelioma : dead within 2 yearsMesothelioma : dead within 2 years All asbestos death are unnecessaryAll asbestos death are unnecessary Controlled use of asbestos products was not demonstratedControlled use of asbestos products was not demonstrated Can not be relied on to protect workers healthCan not be relied on to protect workers health Not an alternative measure to the asbestos banNot an alternative measure to the asbestos ban Cost to Economy: EuroCost to Economy: Euro If early measures: 42 billion Euro have been savedIf early measures: 42 billion Euro have been saved Case of the Netherlands

WECF discovered with shock that NGO partners wanted to use asbestos for ecological constructionWECF discovered with shock that NGO partners wanted to use asbestos for ecological construction NGOs and the public had been told, that their asbestos was safeNGOs and the public had been told, that their asbestos was safe People sawing asbestos slates in their house and gardenPeople sawing asbestos slates in their house and garden Kyrgyz citizens also believe their asbestos is safe Common sight in EECCA: asbestos slates used in home and garden

Asbestos use in EECCA region We discovered: Schools, hospitals, other public buildings are build with asbestosSchools, hospitals, other public buildings are build with asbestos Households use asbestosHouseholds use asbestos Asbestos waste problemAsbestos waste problem Asbestos Industry isAsbestos Industry is dominant dominant Scientists and politicians are not awareScientists and politicians are not aware Russia and EECCA: Roofs of Asbestos and asbestos waste are everywhere

WECF bought asbestos sample in Almaty, Stepanovka and Garla MareWECF bought asbestos sample in Almaty, Stepanovka and Garla Mare Tested in accredited laboratory in GermanyTested in accredited laboratory in Germany The chrysotile asbestos from EECCA region is of cancer- causing typeThe chrysotile asbestos from EECCA region is of cancer- causing type WECF tested chrysotile asbestos Laboratory test of asbestos plates bought in Ukraine

EECCA asbestos is same as the asbestos forbidden in >50 countries

Asbestos abatement in Germany, roofing Asbestos abatement in Germany, roofing

asbestos abatement in Germany, roofing asbestos abatement in Germany, roofing

Cost of asbestos clean-up

Asbestos industry unsuccessfully attempted to influence scientific organizationsAsbestos industry unsuccessfully attempted to influence scientific organizations It was brought to World Trade Organization (WTO) to overturn national bans on asbestos: unsuccessfullyIt was brought to World Trade Organization (WTO) to overturn national bans on asbestos: unsuccessfully Countries have the right to protect their populations health against hazardous substancesCountries have the right to protect their populations health against hazardous substances Industry sponsored research and lobbying attempts failed

Most asbestos sales are now to developing countriesMost asbestos sales are now to developing countries Asbestos companies under-price safer, competitive materials by not bearing the costs of health and economic costs their products are causingAsbestos companies under-price safer, competitive materials by not bearing the costs of health and economic costs their products are causing Unethical Commercial Tactics Asbestos industry lures consumers: their asbestos can be safely usedAsbestos industry lures consumers: their asbestos can be safely used Authorities can not protect their populations health, imports remain uncontrolledAuthorities can not protect their populations health, imports remain uncontrolled

Mesothelioma development risks increase sharply in the case of long-term exposure to low doses of asbestos comparativelyin the case of long-term exposure to low doses of asbestos comparatively exposure to high dosesexposure to high doses Cases of mesothelomia cancer: Washing clothes of asbestos workersWashing clothes of asbestos workers Playing as child near asbestos factoryPlaying as child near asbestos factory Living near asbestos factoryLiving near asbestos factory Burden for the poor: they are more exposed Women and children: affected

Primary exposure regulatedPrimary exposure regulated However, secondary exposure is effecting millions of women and children in the EECCA regionHowever, secondary exposure is effecting millions of women and children in the EECCA region Therefore, women and children at risk from: Houses, schools, playgrounds with asbestosHouses, schools, playgrounds with asbestos Asbestos dust in cities with asbestos factoriesAsbestos dust in cities with asbestos factories Wives and children of men working with asbestosWives and children of men working with asbestos Asbestos in products, e.g. hair dryers, ironing clothAsbestos in products, e.g. hair dryers, ironing cloth Kyrgyz Women & children also at risk

Kyrgyz Government signed on to Parma Declaration on Environment and Health, 12 March 2010Kyrgyz Government signed on to Parma Declaration on Environment and Health, 12 March 2010 Regional Priority Goal 4, iii:.. we will develop by 2015 national programmes for elimination of asbestos-related diseases in collaboration with WHO and ILO.. we will develop by 2015 national programmes for elimination of asbestos-related diseases in collaboration with WHO and ILO Transparent information needed ! Hope for Kyrgyzstan: Parma Declaration

Thank you for your attention